London Festival of Architecture 2017 call for entries opens

The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) has issued a call for entries for the 2017 Festival, which will explore ”memory” through a city-wide public programme of events from 1-30 June 2017.

Proposals are invited from architects, artists, developers – in fact anyone with an interest in London and its built environment – for events and activities that can interpret the theme “memory” in interesting ways. The resulting programme will form the first ever official LFA Fringe, to run alongside a core festival programme organised directly by the LFA team and festival partners.

Proposals are also sought from practices wishing to take part in the successful annual LFA Open Studios strand of the Festival, which will once again include landscape architects and architectural technologists. Structural engineers are also participating in the Open Studios strand for the first time in 2017.

In exploring the theme “memory”, the London Festival of Architecture aims to encourage the public to look at London in new ways, and spark debate among designers, developers and decision-makers about how they can make London a better place. Now planning for its 13th year in 2017, the LFA aims looks to connect with as many people as possible, in ways that demonstrate architecture’s relevance to London’s past, present and future.

Further information and application forms for potential London Festival of Architecture 2017 participants is available at www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org. The call for entries remain open until 28 February.

The LFA 2017 programme is being developed by a team led by LFA Director Tamsie Thomson, with advice and input from an advisory group including Evening Standard Editor Sarah Sands, former culture minister Ed Vaizey MP, Croydon Council Chief Executive Jo Negrini and V&A Design Director David Bickle.

London Festival of Architecture director Tamsie Thomson said:

“Since we announced “memory” as the theme for LFA 2017 in November, we’ve been delighted at the number of great ideas that have come in already for the 2017 festival. Now it’s time for people, practices and organisations – whoever and wherever they may be – to give us their ideas for events and activities that can capture the imagination and generate debate next summer.”

“The London Festival of Architecture is all about participation, and we want people to interpret “memory” in whatever way they see fit. It’s a concept that is fundamental to a sense of identity and place, and allows us to explore people’s experiences of London, and engage people in ways that gives them a say on London’s future.”

“We’re excited also to introduce an official LFA Fringe for the first time in 2017. The term “fringe” implies something that is unstuffy, creative and informal – perhaps even a little haphazard and anarchic. That’s the spirit of the LFA at its best: engaging with people on easy terms rather than excluding or preaching to them. I’m confident we’ll get an enthusiastic and inventive response to our call for entries, and the LFA team looks forward to working with participants to put on another great festival in June 2017.”